Commission warns UK: Keep trade talks informal

European Commission spokesperson Margaritis Schinas warned the United Kingdom that it is playing with fire by opening trade talks with Australia.

Addressing reports of preliminary trade talks between the U.K. and Australia being held in London later this week, Schinas said: “There is nothing in the treaties that prohibits you from discussing trade,” but warned “you can only negotiate a trade agreement after you leave the European Union.”

Schinas quoted Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who in September 2016 said: “I do not like that member states of the European Union, including those that are still a member state, are negotiating free trade agreements. This is an exclusive matter of the European Union.”

Speaking to reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said trade discussions are “perfectly normal” but trade negotiations before Brexit are definitely not allowed.

The U.K. may also find the discussions trickier than expected. Australia’s high commissioner to London, Alexander Downer, told BBC Radio 4’s Today program that easier immigration for Australians to the U.K. would be part of Australia’s demands. “We would want to see greater access for Australian businesspeople working in the U.K,” Downer said.

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Sub- Continent

It’s like President Clinton and his intern Monica L. Carnal knowledge is OK, but “I did not have sex with that woman”. One act is “acceptable”, the other is not. Bah…Grow up EU-wallahs! Live in the real world. You are living behind purdhas provided by your brethren, and can therefore not see/appreciate a fuller picture. You have lost a member – get over it, and stop sabre rattling.

Posted on 1/23/17 | 3:14 PM CET

Deirdre

Australians are our brothers & sisters and many came & stayed, sometimes for a few months, sometimes for good before we joined the EU. It will be wonderful to welcome them back. Same with the rest of the commonwealth, we have missed you.

Posted on 1/23/17 | 3:16 PM CET

alan

So the UK can “discuss” trade issues with any country in the world which wishes to discuss trade with the UK — with the exception of the EU27 and that at the instruction of Junker to their elected Governments?

Personally I see no particular issue with greater access for Australians since that access will be subject to controls and not the “as of right” free for all which currently exists within the EU

Posted on 1/23/17 | 3:35 PM CET

Sub- Continent

Alan- good observation!

Posted on 1/23/17 | 3:43 PM CET

Libero

There once was a sailor from Pevensey Bay
That made up his route as he was underway
When confronted on deck with his folly
He answered all pleased that by golly
He did learn to sail from Theresa May

Posted on 1/23/17 | 4:08 PM CET

Libero

There once was a sailor from Pevensey Bay
That made up his route as he was underway
When confronted on deck with his folly
He answered all pleased that by golly
He did learn his trade from Theresa May

Posted on 1/23/17 | 4:09 PM CET

CSK

It’s like surveyors when they look over your house; they feel they’ve got to say something no matter how obvious, simply to justify their existence!

Britain has always welcomed the Aussies (and the Kiwis) to its shores (especially before joining the EEC); they are part of our historic ties – as was trade, so there’s nothing new there.

Posted on 1/23/17 | 5:52 PM CET

Drakes drum

We should treat the eu as the French do…. ignore the rules we don’t like. Let’s get on and negotiate, ignore the Eurocrats, they won’t matter a fig soon anyway. What are the going to do? Throw us out? Finebus kike they did a couple of years ago by inventing a new charge that alleges that prostitution and drug dealing should be counted as part of the fiscal calculation. They just make it up as it suits them and we should do the same. The quicker we are out of the clutches of the eu the better

Posted on 1/23/17 | 6:32 PM CET

terence patrick hewett

Stop it Margaritis or you will go blind.

Posted on 1/23/17 | 8:23 PM CET

terence patrick hewett

Remember the tennis balls.

Posted on 1/23/17 | 11:09 PM CET

andy redman

How ridiculous – what are you going to do, you jneffectual, pathetic losers?

The U.K. should just wave two fingers at Junkers and his crew…..they are constantly in denial to the fact that the UK is leaving for a better and more prosperous life without paying the EU and sundry a large amount of money.

Posted on 1/24/17 | 12:59 AM CET

alan

It may – or may not- be correct that the UK cannot negotiate trade agreements which may take effect whilst it is still a member of the EU.

If the UK negotiates agreements to come into effect only after Brexit in March 2019 the EU has no competence in the matter as current EU treaties will have ceased to apply at that point.

Posted on 1/24/17 | 12:04 PM CET

DanTheMan

Ridiculous nonsense. A negotiation is a discussion. You can call it a discussion if you like, what ever floats your boat.

Posted on 1/24/17 | 10:20 PM CET

Anthony Chambers

The discussion can lead to a position paper. The position paper can lead to consensus, the consensus can lead to a draft. The draft can be subject to formal discussions for 1 hour after brexit followed by the signing.